Don’t worry. This story doesn’t end tragically.
A series of unfortunate events
One day, I woke up and the world was suddenly spinning. The sensation was familiar… a vertigo attack! The last time I felt this was 15 years ago. So, I went to see a neurologist.
As part of my brain check, the doctor ordered some blood tests. Results showed that I had high cholesterol levels. This meant I had to see my cardiologist.
When my heart doctor saw the results, he prescribed medication to manage my cholesterol. I couldn’t believe it! This was a landmark event in my life… At my golden age, I managed to not need any maintenance medicines. This was the first time that I was prescribed to take them.
As part of my heart check, the doctor examined my lungs. Thankfully, they were clear. But, he found my thyroid to be enlarged. I needed more blood tests and an ultrasound. The scan showed that I had nodules or lumps in my thyroid. This meant I needed to consult an endocrinologist.
The endocrinologist ordered a biopsy of the lumps and… of course, more blood tests!
Biopsy results usually take days. While waiting, I felt that something was wrong with my stomach. It had been bloated for some time, which was unusual for me. So, I went to a gastroenterologist.
The stomach doctor ordered a colonoscopy (which my HMO painfully didn’t cover). He found some polyps in my colon, which he removed for biopsy.
At that point, I was waiting for two biopsy results—thyroid lumps and colon polyps. That entire period of not knowing was like being in purgatory.
Is this the end?
Am I dying? Is this how I go? Is this the end of my chapter here on earth?
In times like this, some people fear the thought of dying. Some focus on what happens to them after death. Others are afraid to leave the people in their lives.
I wasn’t scared. My adult kids are already living their lives. Tatang and I raised them to the best of our abilities.
I told the Lord… I’m ready, any time. My kids are all grown up. They have good education and they can stand on their own. I’ve lived a good life. I’ve used my God-given talents to the best of my ability. I only wish to see my grandchildren grow up, but if that’s not the case, I accept that everybody has an ending.
My children and I discussed everything—my properties, accounts, investments, etc. Just in case anything happened to me, they knew what to access and whom to contact. I also left them my Novena instructions.
My chapter continues
I first received the results of my colon polyps. During the follow up check up with my doctor, he told me that it was tubular adenoma. If I hadn’t had the polyps removed during my colonoscopy, it was highly likely that they may have grown into colon cancer in five to ten years. Thank God!
Next, I went to see my endocrinologist for the results of my thyroid lumps. The nodules are benign. The swelling of my thyroid isn’t cause for alarm. I don’t need to undergo medication. Thank you Lord!
The weight of a mountain has been lifted from my shoulders! Imagine my relief and gratitude…
I was thankful, but just to make sure, I consulted with my other doctors—general physician, gynecologist, ortho, etc. We have a long history of cancer and critical illnesses in our family. I wanted to cover all bases.
Moving forward, I’ve updated my vision board. At 64, I still have many goals in life. I am continuing with my passion and mission to encourage and help people to be the best version of themselves.
I’m alive! And, I still have more time…
